Eglin inducts civic leaders into "hall of fame"

  • Published
  • By Jasmine DeNamur
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Two local community leaders were honored with a life-time membership to the Air Armament Center as James E. Plew Outstanding Community Ambassadors.

Kathy Houchins and Dr. Alexis Tibbetts were recognized in the presence of fellow civic leaders and Team Eglin leadership for their continuous support of the military during a ceremony recently held at the Air Armament Museum.

"It's an extreme pleasure for me to have received this recognition," said Ms. Houchins. "I feel there are so many people in our community who do so much more, so when I was notified I was shocked but completely honored."

The award, named after James E. Plew, was established in 2005 by the AAC commander to recognize community members who have demonstrated long-term support for Eglin. Mr. Plew was a local businessman who leased 137 acres in the early 1930s toward the construction of a joint-use airport, now Eglin's runways, and also donated 1,460 acres for use toward a bombing and gunnery range. The range was later activated in 1935, marking the initial military presence in the area.

Ms. Houchins and Dr. Tibbetts join the ranks of 13 other community ambassadors who have been inducted for going above and beyond in supporting the military and its servicemembers.

"When you shake hands with a returning warrior it's impossible to know just how much they have experienced fighting for our rights," said Ms. Houchins. "Having met family members of military personnel educated me on how hard it can be for them and the servicemembers as well."

Ms. Houchins' footprints have spanned all over Eglin and within the community. As the chair for the Fort Walton Beach Military Affairs Committee, she helped begin the community's Airmen's Appreciation Barbecue, where civic leaders provide a free dinner to Airmen living in the dorms, and she was also involved with the designation of a military family area in the Northwest Florida Regional Airport for departing and returning servicemembers. As general manager for a beach rental company, she donated rooms and facilities to host the Doolittle Raiders during their historic visit to Eglin last year.

"All too often we forget the sacrifices our military men and women make in order for us to enjoy our freedoms we have today," said Ms. Houchins. "I am forever grateful to our military and pledge to support them in all their efforts. It's the least I can do."

Like Ms. Houchins, Dr. Tibbetts is no stranger to the military. As the spouse of a retired Airman, she has lived and knows the military way of life - one she says is vital to protecting America's freedoms.

"I realize the tremendous asset these men and women are to our schools, charities, and local organizations," said Dr. Tibbetts. "The military represents all that is good in America. It's easy to support those who do so much to support us at home and overseas."

As the superintendent for Okaloosa County Schools, Dr. Tibbetts assists Eglin by providing school facilities to support community events. Due to her support, Eglin's recent town hall meetings were held in schools in the local area, making it easier to get information to the community. She also worked with Eglin on several educational projects, including a mentorship telethon where Eglin's leadership spoke on the importance of education and growth to county students.

"The Air Armament Center is critical to our nation and the success of our fighting forces around the globe, said Dr. Tibbetts. "The weapons systems researched, developed and tested here are the backbone of our nation's fighting forces. I am a supporter of the military, because it supports us."